Student National Medical Association

The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest student organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color. Membership includes over 5,000 medical students, premedical students, residents and physicians.

The History

Established in 1964 by medical students from Howard University and Meharry medical schools, the SNMA boasts over 40 years of service to underserved communities and medical students.

The Community

SNMA has 135 chapters based at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools throughout the nation and at some colleges each of which implement educational, outreach, and mentoring activities consistent with the goals of the organization. Chapters belong to one of ten SNMA regions, each headed by a Regional Director. The Regional Director supports chapter programs and oversees a regional medical education conference, as well as other regional activities.

The Goals

SNMA programs are designed to serve the health needs of underserved communities and communities of color. In addition, SNMA is dedicated both to ensuring that medical education and services are culturally sensitive to the needs of diverse populations and to increasing the number of African-American, Latino, and other students of color and entering and completing medical school. SNMA is also committed to ensuring that students of color are encouraged to consider and prepare for medical and scientific careers. Our community service and mentoring programs provide science appreciation and education, mentoring and academic enrichment to elementary, junior high school, high school and college students interested in pursuing health-related careers.

Annually, the SNMA hosts a national Medical Education Conference. Members from all the chapters are represented and events are aimed at educating, empowering, and supporting SNMA’s medical student and associate members. The conference also includes programming planned specifically for SNMA’s premedical membership. The SNMA is a member of The Alliance of Black Student Professionals. The Alliance is a coalition of black graduate and professional student organizations that strives to advocate for the interests of member organizations, and the members and communities they serve.